Pierre Hermé
Address: 133 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Official Website: www.pierreherme.com
Pierre Herme in Paris is the best macaron I ever tried, and possibly in Paris. Each bite is so succulent and meticulous that I forget I am eating a macaron. The texture is so fine and grated. My recommendations? Vanille de Madagascar, Praline Noisette, et Ispahan — whose flavors are so fragrant, you’ll think you’re eating in a bed of roses.
Ladurée
Address: 75 Av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris, France
Official Website: www.laduree.fr
Ah Laduree. Crowned the best macarons. I detest. Since Pierre Herme, my preferences have drastically changed. I find the textures of Laduree macarons to be too coarse. Pistachio, coffee and Marie Antoinette Tea in blue are fairly predictable. Not even limited edition Lily of the Valley can top Pierre Herme’s Ispahan. Just quite not there yet.
La Maison du Chocolat
Address: 52 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris, France
Official Website: lamaisonduchocolat.com
Probably the least of my favorite, La Maison du Chocolat. The name promises the master of chocolate. I ended up liking their dark chocolate eclairs more than the macarons, which felt reduced compared to Pierre Herme and Laduree. I would skip this and just eat Pierre Herme everyday.
P.S. The chocolate is indeed divine. So don’t skip the eclairs.
P.P.S. Macarons to try in Paris: Pierre Herme, Laduree. In that order.